Oscar Freire suffering from a respiratory infection, uncertain for Gent-Wevelgem

2008 Gent-Wevelgem winner on antibiotics, but Rabobank is hopeful that he will be able to take the start on Sunday

The spring season of three-time World Champion is taking an unfortunate turn toward dismal for Oscar Freire. The Rabobank rider was knocked out of contention at Milano-Sanremo following a spill on the descent of the Manie climb, but now, his chances this weekend at Gent-Wevelgem have taken a hit before he even signs in on Sunday.

Once again, the four-time Milano-Sanremo is suffering from breathing issues. This time, it's a respiratory infection. Freire has been prescribed a course of antibiotics to hopefully rid his body of the infection, but that now brings his start at Sunday's Gent-Wevelgem into doubt. According to De Telegraaf, his Rabobank team feels that Freire will be up to the task at the end of the week.

The Spaniard suffered through breathing difficulties all last spring and was finally operated on at the end of July to have polyps in his nose removed.

With Milano-Sanremo already lost and Gent-Wevelgem up in the air, Freire's final chance in a major race this spring might be in the race that suits him the least, the Amstel Gold Race.